Something's Knot Kosher, by Mary Marks

Something's Knot Kosher by Mary Marks

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This book was just "knot" for me. I love books about crafting, but I just found myself unable to get into this book. I couldn't relate to the characters, and really, that may be because once again, I've managed to pick up a book that is number 4 in a series that I have not read. The relationships and friendships feel like there's some back story here, and I never really felt caught up.

The mystery was interesting and well thought out, and I did finally finish after a lot of picking it up and putting it down to read something else.

I am thinking about picking up the other books in the series, to see if that makes a difference. My recommendation is, read the books in order. If you've read the rest of them, I think you will like this book more than I did.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.



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Cracked to Death, by Cheryl Hollon

Cracked to Death by Cheryl Hollon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Book 3 in a series, but absolutely an enjoyable read even if you haven't read previous books.

I'm loving this series. Savannah Webb is settling in to life in Florida, running and expanding her family's glass shop, Webb's. Professionally and personally, her life is happily moving right along.

In this entry, Webb's Glass Shop is having upcycling classes. Savannah's friend and employee, Amanda, is teaching the students to make their old glass bottles into cheese platters, or decorative glass flowers, as well as other fun ideas. Who knew you could do such cool things with empty glass bottles? I wish we had a glass shop near me, this would be so fun to do!

Meanwhile some very old glass bottles show up and trouble follows, with a body washed up on the beach. With Amanda keeping secrets and acting strangely, the Webb's group must come together and find out who killed the man and why.

This book is well written, with well developed, likable characters and an interesting mystery. I loved the treasure hunt aspect. My only regret with this book is we didn't see as much of Jacob and Suzy. I love that young man.

I can't wait to see what the future holds in store for the entire Webb's crew.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review



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Braking for Bodies, by Duffy Brown

Braking for Bodies by Duffy Brown

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I am absolutely enjoying this series. I totally adore how each murder ends up an island festivity, haha. With this one, Evie ends up convincing the hordes of tourists that the murder victim they've seen is actually part of a special murder mystery weekend put on by their hotel. Crews of arm chair detectives roam the island trying to find who done it. The islanders play along to keep the fudgie dollars from drying up.

But when Evie's best friend ends up the prime suspect, Evie goes in to action to keep Fiona from being locked up, all why trying to live up to her role as maid of honor in a wedding that seems doomed.

An absolutely enjoyable romp over Mackinac Island. I heartily recommend this book to anyone looking for a light-hearted, amusing, cozy mystery.



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Fixin' to Die, by Tonya Kappes

Fixin' To Die by Tonya Kappes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


After two years of little to no crime, Sheriff Kenni has to solve two serious crimes and prove that she has what it takes to be sheriff.

This book was a good first in a series. I enjoyed the touch of paranormal, with Kenni's ghostly gramps, the previous town sheriff, helping her out The sexy State Reserve officer on loan since Kenni's deputy just retired, was a nice addition as well. The small town feel is realistic and fun, full of the quirky (and annoying) characters found in so many small towns.

It was a fun cozy mystery, and I am looking forward to book 2.

*I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.



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Murder Most Fowl, by Edith Maxwell

Murder Most Fowl by Edith Maxwell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Book 4 in a series.

While this was book 4 in the series, I have to say that I never felt lost, having not read books 1-3. The main characters feel well developed, and most important, likable. The main character, Cam, is smart enough to save her own fanny as well, and I really like that.

The story was tight and fun, while still having some suspense about who is behind the vandalizing of local farmer's animal enclosures and who killed Cam's neighbor. I got so engrossed in this book that I read it straight through to the end.

Now I have to go find books 1-3, haha.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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A Bead in the Hand, by Janice Peacock

A Bead in the Hand by Janice Peacock

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is the second in a series. It can be read as a stand alone, as I had not read the first book, and I didn't seem to be missing anything, plot-wise.

I really enjoyed this book. I love Seattle and Oregon, so the setting appealed as well as the subject. I consider myself a crafty person, but I knew nothing about glass beads, other than they sell them in the craft store and make really pretty stitch markers for knitting, haha. I like that Jax talks about making them without going in to too much detail, it makes the process sound interesting. And the description of the beads made me want to buy them.

I liked the other characters in the book as well, even the Goth twins, annoying as they were. I am looking forward to the next book, but...

My only complaint came at the very end of the book, when the author shoe-horned the dreaded love triangle into the book.

*I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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